History of Women
History of Women
Three hours lecture: (3)
Prerequisite: Three hours of History at the 100 level.
Study of the roles and changing status of men and women, the region or time period of the course can vary from semester to semester. May be taken for credit more than once when topics differ. This course may be used to meet requirements for the minor in Women’s Studies.
Detailed Description of Content of Course
(Course content depends on instructor. Following is an example of one possibility.)
I. Overview of Women's History
A. Development of the Field
B. What Difference Does It Make?
II. Women in Preindustrial America
A. Family Patterns
B. Influence of Religion
C. Economic Roles and Structures
D. Impact of the American Revolution
III. 19th Century
A. Impact of Industrial Revolution; New Class Divisions; New Work
B. Lives of Immigrant Women
C. Differing Lives in Differing Geographical Areas
D. Emphasis on South--Black/White
IV. Rise of Women's Organized Activities and Feminist Thought
V. Social Movements
A. Unions for Industrial Workers
B. Clubs for Middle Class Reform Movements
C. Education for Women
D. Break in the Suffrage Movement and Its Healing
E. Women in the Arts
VI. 20th Century
A. Flapper Generation and the Vote Gained
B. Reorientation by Great Depression
C. Changing Roles from World War II
VII. Interacting Issues for Modern Women and Men
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
An informal approach including continuing class discussion in which students become familiar with the historical conditions of typical women's lives.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
1. Students will practice thinking critically and analytically about historical issues, acquire a broader knowledge and deeper understanding of pertinent historical events and processes, and cultivate a familiarity with the concepts of historical argument and interpretation.
2. Students will develop disciplinary research skills by designing strategies to locate and analyze primary and secondary source evidence, processing and organizing the resultant data, and composing proper citation and bibliographical entries.
3. Students will apply their critical thinking, research, and compositional skills to the creation and presentation of thesis driven essays that discuss, for example, historical social, economic, political, and/or cultural developments and that address issues such as the causes and consequences of historical change and continuity.
4. Students will be able to discuss the role of women and the influences on women of the culture, society, and political economic world in which they lived.
Knowledge and understanding of the material covered in this course will be measured using an array of assessment tools that may include, among other things, class attendance and participation, written examinations, formal writing assignments of various types, and informal writing assignments. All exercises are designed to expand the student's ability to evaluate historical events and to develop his or her ability to compose persuasive arguments.
Other Course Information
Review and Approval
Date Action Reviewed by
October 2010 Reviewed and Approved by Sharon A. Roger Hepburn, Chair